It Is Written's A Better Way to Live video podcast.

The Love of God — February 8, 2010

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: We could spend the rest of eternity studying the love of God and never reach the end of the subject. We haven't come close to exhausting the riches that await us as we study the sacrifice God made when Jesus died for our sins on the cross.

Verse: "For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
—Ephesians 3:14-19

No More Sickness or Death — February 5, 2010

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Today we'll look at a Bible passage that many people claim as their favorite. On this Earth, we're still living in a deep freeze of sin that only dimly resembles what God had in mind. The good news is that in Heaven, we have an eternal summer to look forward to where there will be no more sickness or death.

Verse: "'And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.' Then He who sat on the throne said, 'Behold, I make all things new.' And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.'"
—Revelation 21:4-5

His Eyes Are on the Sparrow — February 4, 2010

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: God is deeply interested in His creation and there's nothing that escapes His notice—even a little sparrow. The point He is making in this verse isn't how valuable sparrows are, but how valuable you are. He cares about every aspect of your life, including the little things!

Verse: "Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."
—Luke 12:6-7

A Solid Place to Stand — February 3, 2010

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: When God says something, you can take it to the bank. The Bible is a solid place to stand as you plan your life.

Verse: "Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because 'All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the Lord endures forever.' Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you."
—1 Peter 1:22-25

Heavenly Adoption — February 2, 2010

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: God has invited us to join His family through the immeasurable gift of Christ. A door has been opened to a new relationship, and we can claim God Himself as our Heavenly Father.

Verse: "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."
—John 1:12-13

Dealing With Frustrations Within the Church Family — February 1, 2010

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: What is Paul's advice for dealing with frustrations within the church family?

Verse: "Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God."
—Romans 15:5-7

The Master Designer — January 29, 2010

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: As we bask in God's presence—as we spend time with Him—we actually become more like Him.

Verse: "Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.' 'O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?'"
—1 Corinthians 15:51-55

The Rise and Fall of Human Kingdoms — January 28, 2010

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: The vision of Daniel 7 shows us history from God's perspective—the rise and fall of human kingdoms.

Verse: "I watched then because of the sound of the pompous words which the horn was speaking; I watched till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed and given to the burning flame. As for the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away, yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time."
—Daniel 7:11-12

The Great Controversy — January 27, 2010

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: It's interesting to note that in this passage, it doesn't say "if trouble comes"—it says "when trouble comes." What is the Great Controversy and how does it relate to this verse?

Verse: "Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught."
—Proverbs 3:25-26

No Case Too Hopeless — January 26, 2010

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: When the final judgment arrives, it will be too late to start the appeal process. But the good news is that we have time today to make an appeal through the cross of Christ. There is no case too hopeless for God.

Verse: "He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still. And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work."
—Revelation 22:11-12

A Biblical Perspective on the Earthquake in Haiti — January 25, 2010

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: While the words of Jesus found in this chapter have always been sobering, the recent earthquake that devastated the nation of Haiti has made them especially pertinent. Our prayers are with the people of Haiti.

Verse: "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows."
—Matthew 24:7-8

Jesus, Our Advocate — January 22, 2010

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: When human history finally winds down and the books are opened, what will people see when they look at your life?

Verse: "I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire; a fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, and the books were opened."
—Daniel 7:9-10

Waiting Patiently for Heaven — January 21, 2010

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: You and I have been steeped in sin for so long that we don't even recognize it half the time, but what was it like for Jesus to come and live in our sinful world as a human being? What can His example teach us?

Verse: "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
—Hebrews 4:15-16

Banishing Worry From Our Lives — January 20, 2010

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: For many people, Jesus' command to stop worrying seems like a really tall order. Do you find it hard to turn the world off, especially during this economy? How can we apply this verse to our lives?

Verse: “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?”
—Matthew 6:25-27

The Remarkable Details of Daniel 7 — January 19, 2010

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Today we will explore another remarkable prediction made in the book of Daniel. While world events continue to baffle the brightest minds on the planet, there really is Someone who has it all figured out. God knows the end from the beginning, and we can take comfort in that fact.

Verse: "I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things."
—Daniel 7:8

The Recollection of Sin — January 18, 2010

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Since all of our deeds and words are recorded, does that mean that God wants to humiliate us with the memory of them? What happens when we take our sins to God? Should we focus on our sins of the past?

Verse: "Again, when I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,' if he turns from his sin and does what is lawful and right, if the wicked restores the pledge, gives back what he has stolen, and walks in the statutes of life without committing iniquity, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of his sins which he has committed shall be remembered against him; he has done what is lawful and right; he shall surely live."
—Ezekiel 33:14-16

The Day of Rest — January 15, 2010

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: God created a special day of rest and restoration just for us!

Verse: "And they said to me, 'The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.' So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven."
—Nehemiah 1:3-4

Pain and Suffering — January 14, 2010

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Why do we have pain and suffering in the world? Suffering is not a part of the natural order of things. God's heart aches as He sees us hurting. In fact, Jesus spent a lot of time healing people during His earthly ministry. With God, nothing you suffer from is ultimately terminal, and that fact can give us hope today.

Verse: "And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease."
—Matthew 10:1

The Beast With Iron Teeth — January 13, 2010

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: In Daniel 7, which empire is represented by the beast with iron teeth?

Verse: "After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns."
—Daniel 7:7

A Calculated Risk — January 12, 2010

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Jesus took a calculated risk when He came to Earth. But He went willingly to the cross for "the joy that was set before Him." That joy was the thought of you being reunited with the Heavenly Father. No price was too high and no risk was too big.

Verse: "He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name."
—John 1:10-12

Prophetic Conspiracy Theories — January 11, 2010

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Each year, new prophetic conspiracy theories pop up on the Internet. Many of these theories string together random facts or quotes, but we must take care to read the books of the Bible in their context and in their entirety.

Verse: "Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, 'Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.' And He said to them, 'I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.'"
—Luke 10:17-18

The Leopard in Daniel's Vision — January 8, 2010

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Today we'll take a look at one of the most astonishing prophecies in the Bible. What does the leopard of Daniel 7 represent? What is the significance of its wings?

Verse: “After this I looked, and there was another, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and dominion was given to it.”
—Daniel 7:6

Emulating Others— January 7, 2010

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Why do human beings have such a strong urge to be like someone else? Who should we be imitating?

Verse: "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."
—Genesis 1:26-27

Our Cravings for Excitement — January 6, 2010

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: One of the big problems facing the human race is our disregard of the moral laws of God. Thankfully, our situation is not a hopeless one. The good news is that we have a loving Creator who specializes in conquering death and sin.

Verse: "And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others."
—Ephesians 2:1-3

"Insiders" and "Outsiders" — January 5, 2010

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: What does Paul mean when he refers to people being on the "outside"?

Verse: "Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time."
—Colossians 4:5

The Bear in Daniel's Vision — January 4, 2010

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Which empire does the bear in Daniel 7 represent? What is the significance of the three ribs in its mouth?

Verse: "And suddenly another beast, a second, like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And they said thus to it: 'Arise, devour much flesh!'"
—Daniel 7:5

What Is Truth? — January 1, 2010

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: When Jesus stood trial in front of Pontius Pilate, He was asked one of the most important questions the world has been grappling with for thousands of years: What is truth? How does this question impact our lives today? In this devotional, you will also get a fun homework assignment that can re-energize your Bible study life.

Verse: "You will give truth to Jacob and mercy to Abraham, which You have sworn to our fathers from days of old."
—Micah 7:20

Discovering Real Meaning in Life — December 31, 2009

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: What do you want the rest of your life to look like?

Verse: "The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away."
—Psalm 90:10

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, GIVE THE GIFT OF THE GOSPEL AND SAVE A LIFE!

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The Whole Armor of God — December 30, 2009

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: What was Paul talking about when he emphasized putting on the whole armor of God?

Verse: "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."
—Ephesians 6:10-11

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, GIVE THE GIFT OF THE GOSPEL AND SAVE A LIFE!
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The Filters Through Which We View the World — December 29, 2009

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: We each approach the world with our own set of filters. All our experiences lay down neural pathways, and whatever we see and hear is somewhat molded based our personal history. This verse is a Messianic prophecy that points us forward to Jesus. It says that He can see the whole truth of a matter and isn't so quick to make a decision based on first appearances.

Verse: "There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. His delight is in the fear of the Lord, and He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, nor decide by the hearing of His ears."
—Isaiah 11:1-3

Comfort and Peace — December 28, 2009

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Verse: The night Jesus was born and the angels sang, an unmistakable note of comfort swept over history. God's hand is outstretched to you today. Will you grasp it?

Summary: "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!'"
—Luke 2:13-14

Gabriel's Message to Mary — December 25, 2009

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: When Gabriel told Mary that she was highly favored among women, she felt troubled with feelings of inadequacy. Throughout history, God has often called on people who have a godly, humble character. That's why we should take the angel's message to heart—even though we may feel like we don't stack up, God has big plans for us.

Verse: "Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, 'Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!' But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.'"
—Luke 1:26-30

A Few Moments Beside the Manger - December 24, 2009

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Although this is a well-known story, its staggering message never ceases to amaze. The Creator of the universe stepped out of His kingdom to become one of His own creatures. He could have been born in a palace, but instead, His bed was an animal feed box. And His simple entrance changed the world forever.

Verse: "So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
—Luke 2:6-7

Good Will Toward Men — December 23, 2009

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Should we as Christians boycott retailers that don't outwardly promote Christmas in their stores during the holidays?

Verse: "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"
—Luke 2:13-14

"Fear Not" — December 22, 2009

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Deep down, do you ever fear God? Do you have trouble trusting Him? Sin dramatically changed our relationship with God, and for thousands of years, fallen angels have been trying to convince us that God is Someone we should be deathly afraid of. This story in Luke 2 reveals one reason why we need not be afraid.

Verse: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."
—Luke 2:8-12

Glory to God in the Highest — December 21, 2009

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: When Jesus was born, the angels gave a command performance shouting "Glory to God in the highest!" The great news for us is that the same Jesus who was born in Bethlehem 20 centuries ago is still alive—and His ministry in heaven on your behalf still gives angels a reason to celebrate!

Verse: "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!'"
—Luke 2:13-14

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, GIVE THE GIFT OF THE GOSPEL AND SAVE A LIFE!
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The Unjust Steward — December 18, 2009

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Today we will explore one of the most confusing passages in the Bible. Is this verse a blanket endorsement of fraud as long as you're shrewd about it?

Verse: "So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light."
—Luke 16:8

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, GIVE THE GIFT OF THE GOSPEL AND SAVE A LIFE!
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Jesus the "Firstborn" — December 17, 2009

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: What does the Bible mean when it talks about Jesus being "the Firstborn"? How does that fact offer us hope today?

Verse: "John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood."
—Revelation 1:4-5

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, GIVE THE GIFT OF THE GOSPEL AND SAVE A LIFE!
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The Lion With Eagle's Wings — December 16, 2009

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: What does the lion with eagle's wings in Daniel 7 represent? What lesson can we glean from this verse?

Verse: "The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings. I watched till its wings were plucked off; and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a man’s heart was given to it."
—Daniel 7:4

Revelation 13 and Bible Prophecy — December 15, 2009

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Is the beast of Revelation one individual...or something else? Which Old Testament chapter does Revelation 13 build upon?

Verse: "And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast."
—Revelation 13:1-3

The Light of Life — December 14, 2009

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Even though we aren't yet in Heaven, we can live our day-to-day life like we are!

Verse: "Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, 'I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.'"
—John 8:12

Does the Bible Say That Jesus Is God? — December 11, 2009

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Where in the Bible does it say that Jesus is God? Is the Savior also the Creator?

Verse: "But to the Son He says: 'Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions.'"
—Hebrews 1:8-9

Common Symbols in Bible Prophecy — December 10, 2009

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: In Bible prophecy, what do the most common symbols represent? What does this vision in particular tell us about world events?

Verse: "In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head while on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream, telling the main facts. Daniel spoke, saying, 'I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the Great Sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea, each different from the other.'"
—Daniel 7:1-3

Dealing With Discouragement — December 9, 2009

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Sometimes, it's really easy to get discouraged when you just can't seem to catch a break. Maybe righteous living feels like it's getting you nowhere, whereas it appears that cheaters seem to prosper. How can we handle worry and discouragement?

Verse: "When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way. And suddenly they cried out, saying, 'What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?'"
—Matthew 8:28-29

A Blessing Revealed in Revelation — December 8, 2009

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: What does the Bible mean when it says we will receive a blessing from reading the book of Revelation? What can the original language used in this text reveal to us about the meaning of the word "read"?

Verse: "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near."
—Revelation 1:3

The Passage of Time — December 7, 2009

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: In this world, we're forever changing things—desperately hoping to make life better. When things take a turn for the worse, we look back longingly at the "good ol' days." But in the kingdom of Heaven, it's going to be different. We won't need to look back because His Kingdom will last forever and it will never decay.

Verse: "'I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, and steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall endure to the end. He delivers and rescues, and He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.' So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian."
—Daniel 6:26-28

The Only Solution for Sin — December 4, 2009

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Trying to solve the problem of sin on your own is like sleeping in a bed that's too short, or trying to use a blanket that's too small. Human efforts can't ultimately fix the sin problem, but the solution can be found at the cross of Christ. Rest in God's forgiveness and you will find peace!

Verse: "For the bed is too short for a man to stretch out on, and the covering so narrow that he cannot wrap himself in it."
—Isaiah 28:20

God's Last-Day Message — December 3, 2009

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: How is King Darius' urgent message similar to the last-day message that goes around the planet before Jesus returns? How does it differ, and what does it tell us about the separation of church and state?

Verse: "Then King Darius wrote: To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you. I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, and steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall endure to the end."
—Daniel 6:25-26

"New Heavens and a New Earth" — December 2, 2009

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: God has promised that someday He's going to give our Earth a radical makeover. Though it may be hard to imagine now, one day the misery we've known for so long—due to sin—will be gone forever!

Verse: "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered or come to mind."
—Isaiah 65:17

When All Is Said and Done — December 1, 2009

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: If fallen angels really started all the problems in our universe, then why do we seem to be the ones getting punished for it? What will ultimately happen to Lucifer and the fallen angels, and what prophetic information can we glean from this chapter of Daniel?

Verse: "And the king gave the command, and they brought those men who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions—them, their children, and their wives; and the lions overpowered them, and broke all their bones in pieces before they ever came to the bottom of the den."
—Daniel 6:24

Faith and Science — November 30, 2009

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Many people have let one of today's predominant worldviews bully them into thinking that faith and reason don't belong together. Christians are sometimes referred to as uninformed simpletons even though there are bright Christian minds contributing to the scientific community. Peter reassures us that our faith is reasonable and defensible, and we can stand on what the Bible tells us!

Verse: "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear."
—1 Peter 3:15

When Bad Things Happen to God's People — November 27, 2009

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: The fact that Daniel survived the lions' den raises a really important question: The Bible says that no injury whatever was found on Daniel because he believed in His God. But how do we reconcile the story of Daniel with the harsh realities of day-to-day disappointment? What should we make of the millions of people who also believed in God but didn't survive their ordeals?

Verse: "Now the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God."
—Daniel 6:23

The Crucifixion — November 26, 2009

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: The crucifixion of Christ changed the course of history—and each of our lives—forever.

Verse: "But the angel answered and said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.'"
—Matthew 28:5-6

"The Revealing" — November 25, 2009

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Many people live under the assumption that God operates our universe under a cloak of secrecy—like it's a covert operation. However, a close reading of the Bible tells a completely different story!

Verse: "And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, 'Come and see.'"
—Revelation 6:1

Daniel and the King (Living and Sharing Your Faith) — November 24, 2009

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Today you'll learn three important lessons from the story of Daniel. As people come under the conviction that they have sinned, they desperately start looking for answers. Many times they look to us as Christians—observing our relationship with God—to determine whether or not He is real.

Verse: "Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him. Also his sleep went from him. Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, 'Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?'"
—Daniel 6:18-20

Prayers of Gratitude and Praise — November 23, 2009

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Many of us are really good at praying when we find ourselves in trouble, but for some reason, prayers of gratitude of praise don't seem to flow as easily. Tune in today to learn how to kick-start your prayer life!

Verse: "Now one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said, 'Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?'"
—Luke 17:15-18

The Light of the World — November 20, 2009

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: In the opening chapters of Revelation, why does Jesus appear dressed like an Old Testament priest? What is the significance of the seven golden lampstands?

Verse: "To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, 'These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands.'"
—Revelation 2:1

Daniel and the Lions' Den — November 19, 2009

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: What are the striking parallels between the lives of Daniel and Jesus?

Verse: "Then these men approached the king, and said to the king, 'Know, O king, that it is the law of the Medes and Persians that no decree or statute which the king establishes may be changed.' So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, 'Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.' Then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signets of his lords, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed."
—Daniel 6:15-17

Unlocking Revelation — November 18, 2009

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: The book of Revelation can be a confusing one for some people, and topics such as the beast have resulted in many theories over the years. Thankfully, Revelation's language can be unlocked if you read it in the context of the whole Bible. Bible prophecy is meant to be understood!

Verse: "Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast."
—Revelation 13:1-3

Divine Intervention — November 17, 2009

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: In life, we often become blinded by pride and find ourselves stuck with the consequences of a bad decision. The chasm between you and God seems massive, but the good news is that there's nothing God can't handle!

Verse: "And they went before the king, and spoke concerning the king’s decree: 'Have you not signed a decree that every man who petitions any god or man within thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?' The king answered and said, 'The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter.' So they answered and said before the king, 'That Daniel, who is one of the captives from Judah, does not show due regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.' And the king, when he heard these words, was greatly displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him."
—Daniel 6:12-14